Business Details
30 Years
experience
Award-Winning Conservation Architects in Norwich
Established in 1996, our practice has evolved into an award-winning team of conservation architects specialising in historic and listed buildings. We prioritise client needs through a collaborative approach, offering free initial consultations and tailored project management. Our expertise spans ecclesiastical and historic structures, combining modern systems with traditional materials like leadwork, stone, and lime mortar. We maintain strong partnerships with conservation builders, historians, and archaeologists to deliver high-quality results. Our director, Nicholas Warns, brings over 30 years of experience and holds accreditation from the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation.We provide comprehensive services including surveys, grant applications, and CDM compliance. Our work has been recognised with accolades such as the Angel Awards, and we serve clients across the South East and East Anglia. We utilise advanced CAD systems while preserving traditional craftsmanship. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through repeat client relationships and meticulous attention to detail. We actively contribute to heritage preservation through roles with the National Churches Trust and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
Services
Historic Building Conservation
Church Restoration
Quinquennial Inspections
Grant Application Support
CDM Compliance Services
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We are AABC accredited conservation architects with 30+ years' specialist experience
- Our team combines modern digital tools with traditional building techniques
- We offer in-house CDM Principal Designer services compliant with HSE regulations
- Free initial consultation with detailed project proposals and budget planning
- Proven track record managing Heritage Lottery Fund applications and approvals
Associations and certifications
- Architects Accredited in Building Conservation
What people say
Great care taken
Work well executed
Clean and tidy
Wonderful support
Hard and thorough work
Services
Historic Building Conservation
Specialist conservation of listed buildings using traditional materials and techniques. Our team has extensive experience with Grade I and II* structures, including cathedrals, castles, and historic houses. We combine archaeological research with modern digital surveying to ensure authentic restoration while meeting current regulations.
Church Restoration
Comprehensive restoration services for churches and cathedrals, including quinquennial inspections and urgent repairs. We manage Heritage Lottery Fund applications and work closely with diocesan advisory committees. Our expertise covers stained glass, carved timber, and traditional roofing materials.
Quinquennial Inspections
Mandatory five-year church building inspections required by the Church of England. We identify priority repairs, diagnose structural issues, and prepare detailed reports for parochial church councils. Our director has conducted over 140 inspections across East Anglia.
Grant Application Support
Expert guidance through Heritage Lottery Fund and other grant applications. We prepare detailed specifications, cost estimates, and project timelines. Our team ensures compliance with funding criteria and manages the entire application process from initial assessment to final approval.
CDM Compliance Services
Principal designer services meeting 2015 HSE regulations. We coordinate health and safety throughout the design phase, manage risk reduction strategies, and prepare comprehensive safety documentation. Our team ensures compliance with all construction design management requirements.
People
Nicholas Warns
Director & Conservation Architect
Director of the practice with over 30 years' experience in heritage architecture. Accredited by AABC and serves as Inspecting Architect for 140+ churches. Active trustee with National Churches Trust and SPAB scholar.
Samuel Roe
Architectural Assistant
Part 1 Architectural Assistant specialising in sustainable architecture and medieval structures. Joined practice in 2017 after completing studies at Norwich University of the Arts. Focuses on conservation of church architecture.
Kelly Kay
Secretary
Provides administrative support with 20+ years' experience in architectural environments. Manages project coordination and client communications. Ensures efficient workflow and accurate information management.
Questions
What types of buildings do you specialise in?
We focus on historic and listed buildings including churches, cathedrals, castles, monuments, and traditional houses. Our expertise covers Grade I and II* listed structures across East Anglia.
Are you accredited for conservation work?
Yes, we are accredited by the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC) and have over 30 years' specialist experience in heritage architecture.
Can you help with Heritage Lottery Fund applications?
Yes, we provide full support for HLF applications including project scoping, cost estimation, and documentation preparation. Our director has extensive experience managing successful applications.
Do you offer church building inspections?
Yes, we conduct mandatory quinquennial inspections for Church of England buildings. Our director serves as Inspecting Architect for over 140 churches across East Anglia.
What areas do you cover?
We primarily work in the South East and East Anglia regions, with particular focus on Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Essex.
How do I arrange an initial consultation?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule a free initial consultation at our Norwich office. This typically lasts one hour and includes project discussion and service overview.
